FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sonji Joyner
Communications Manager, Office of Communications
joynersr@pgcc.edu
Prince George’s Community College Receives Over $1 Million Grant to Address Nursing Shortage
LARGO, Md. (July 24, 2023) — Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) is one of nine Maryland nursing programs to receive a grant award from Governor Wes Moore’s initiative to support the declining nursing workforce that has occurred since the COVID-19 pandemic. The College will receive $1.1 million in grant funds out of $5.8 million in allocated funds through the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Nurse Support Program II.
“In times of challenge, it’s important that the community comes together to ensure needs are met,” said Angela Anderson, PGCC's dean of health, wellness, and hospitality. “This generous award will go far in allowing PGCC to create lasting positive impacts for our students and the greater community.”
This grant award will support a new evening/weekend nursing program cohort set to begin this fall with four additional full-time faculty.
“Even though there’s been a significant nursing shortage exacerbated by COVID-19, students have continued to be interested in our program. We can now increase our capacity to accept more students,” said Vivian P. Kuawogai, MSN., M.S. Ed., RN., CPN., CNE, professor of nursing and nursing department chair.
Since 1968, PGCC’s nursing program has supported a diverse student body. Currently, 90 percent of students are minorities and most are considered nontraditional students who work part-time or full-time and support families in some way.
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About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2022-2027), Prince George's Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George's County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skill sets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 25,000 individuals annually, the College is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George's County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree, and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the College website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education.